The way seemed dark, the path too steep,
My soul grew troubled and alarmed;
Love softly said, Be still, and know,
And gently led me through unharmed.
Want reached its hungry hands toward me,
And seemed the whole wide world to fill —
I feared, and turned to God in prayer,
And then Love whispered, Peace, be still!
The road was long, my weary heart
Grew faint and thought the goal delayed,
Grew fearful of the days to come,
Until Love said, Be not afraid.
O Love, that guides my onward way,
O Life and Truth, O gifts divine!
Though I may grope through shadows wild,
Thy peace, Thy joys, are ever mine.
Before I seek in earnest prayer,
Love knows my need, my hope, my fear,
And when my weary heart grows weak,
Love says, Fear not, for I am near.
